Mobile phones in school not necessarily a bad thing

An academic has warned that banning mobile phones and other technology in the classroom is 'moving in the wrong direction'.

According to Professor Paul Howard-Jones, teachers and parents should look at how pupils are interacting with the technology, reports the Telegraph.

His comments came as his research suggested playing computer games could help boost pupils' concentration levels and improve their results in the classroom.

The study found that turning learning into a game helps stop the mind from wandering, allowing students to study better.

Professor Howard-Jones, who conducted the research, said computer games have been "trivialised" in recent years, but that used properly, they can help to accelerate pupils' learning.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he said: "I share concerns of parents about the effects of leisure technology on sleep and homework and exercise but it's important that we don’t demonise it completely.

"It's about what children are doing online. At the moment, a lot of schools not allowing mobiles to their sites and getting mobiles out of the classroom, for example. That’s moving in the wrong direction.

“We have to accept that technology is part of children’s lives. It isn't about restricting it but about how they should be using it in a healthy way.

"Video games are powerful things for engaging children. Still, computers need to be turned off in the evening because they could be affecting the sleep, but if they are using games to learn that can be a positive thing."